The Game

Common

About The Game

"The Game" is the first single from rapper Common's 2007 album Finding Forever. It was released to iTunes as a digital download on May 22, 2007. It is produced by Kanye West, who samples "Tezeta" by Ethiopian jazz musician Seyfu Yohannes for the track's beat. It utilizes O. C.'s "Half Good, Half Sinner" to construct one of his signature choruses, which is scratched by DJ Premier. With its hard hitting steel drums, the beat is considered to be a throwback to 90's boom bap hip hop.  


Year:
2007
3:32
104 
#1

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, get busy

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, music

Raised by game where niggas ain't fazed by fame
Come to the crib, get banged, they take your chain
Stay in your lane, broke back ain't the way of the game
My brainstorm is like I stay in the ring

My favorite was Kane, now I'm dope with weight in the game
You was hot but can't stay in the plain
Ghetto pain and windows crack, the fist is like a symbol for black
Can tell the real by how the interact

In the middle of whack my soul stick to a track
Kickback records get kicked to the back
I want big cribs and my man Ronnie to get his
Child in a good school and know what her gift is

It's global warming, the world is shifting
Watching Sweet Sixteen, bitchin' ass rich kids
You know, no one like you gotta go the distance
Whether yoga or doja, we all get lifted in the game

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, get busy

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, music

I never kissed that ass of the masses, I'm the black molasses
Thick and I last pass these rat bastards
They try to box me in like Cassius Clay
Hey, I'm like Muhammad when he fasted

Opposing the fascist make cuts and got gashes
Scratches over third eyelashes
Punchlines are like jab pits to rappers
Whose careers now ashes, it's too many slashes in his name

Came in the game these gun clappers
From weak lines to clothing lines to an actress
I seen 'em dashing smash hits
I yell, "Run, nigga, run, while I cook up classics"

The weak hearted, become Babylon puppets
Making it hard for real hustlas
Touch the sky now and then, with a lady friend
Give thanks to the most that's how the day begins in the game

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, get busy

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, music

I just wanna be like Akeelah, an achiever
From the streets of the Chi where some get high for leisure
Selling weed out of cleaners
From rocks to barber shops and beamers

Chicks with blond weaves and strong legs like Serena
The demeanor of the Ghetto, to never stay settled
Aldermen and corrupt mens play Pharaoh
Good bring business to the hood like heralds

Find your own, walking by themselves in the street
The young die of cancer, I stopped eating meat
Greet the gods on 87th street like peace
Even though it's war to G, got 'em facing the east

The game ain't tasting as sweet
Cats flow is still and they [Incomprehensible] with beats
My radio station is deep so eff 'em
Progression, counting paper and blessings in the game

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, get busy

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame, type killin' in the game, music

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Common

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (formerly Common Sense), is an American rapper and actor. more »

0 fans

Written by: SOUL EKOS, LONNIE RASHID LYNN, KANYE WEST

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Origin
"The Game" by Common is off of his seventh studio album, "Finding Forever”, which was released in 2007.
Production
This song was produced by the legendary Kanye West. Kanye was also the executive producer for the entire album.
Grammy Nominated
Common's song "The Game" earned him a Grammy nomination in 2008. The entire album was also nominated for Best Rap Album at the same Grammy Awards.
Vocal Features
Although uncredited, the song features additional background vocals by British artist Adele Givens.
Hip-Hop and Jazz Fusion
The song incorporates components of both jazz and rap. This fusion is a fantastic illustration of Common's ability to mix various music styles.
Lyricism
The song was praised for its lyricism, with Common articulating his views on the state of hip hop and his place in the industry.
Beat Boxing
The beat of the song opens with the sound of Kanye West beatboxing.
Music Video
The official music video of "The Game" was directed by Neon. It is simple, yet impactful, featuring monochrome shots of Common rapping against various backdrops.
Album Success
"The Game" contributed to the commercial success of Common's "Finding Forever”. The album debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Conceptual Theme
Like most of the songs from the album "Finding Forever”, "The Game" carries a conceptual theme, reinforcing the idea of making music that is timeless and eternal.

Discuss the The Game Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "The Game Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/11721414/Common/The+Game>.

    Missing lyrics by Common?

    Know any other songs by Common? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    The Game

    2.4M
    10,253     203

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who wrote "A Little in Love"?
    A Garth Brooks
    B Paul Brandt
    C Clay Walker
    D Blake Shelton

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Common's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Common tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    The Game

    »